Faiza Tehseen

The integration of AI technologies is crucial to ensure environmentally sustainable, more profit-oriented, and safe mining practices in Pakistan, said Chief Geologist of Koh-e-Daleel Mining Company (PVT) Limited Abdul Bashir in an exclusive interview with WealthPK.

“Pakistan is accelerating efforts to unlock the economic potential of its rich mineral resources. Globally, growing concerns over ecological degradation, deforestation, and hazardous waste linked to traditional mining, requires the adoption of AI-powered tools. AI provides a safe solution to monitor, manage, and extract or process critical minerals, including rare earth minerals,” he said.

“Pakistan’s Mineral Development policy needs technology-led reforms including provisions for digital transformation of the mining sector. We need to invest in smart technologies that not only improve output but also ensure safety for workers and surrounding communities.

“AI adoption in the mining sector can reduce environmental damage by around 30% and operational accidents by up to approximately 40%, if properly scaled. Mining should not be preferred at the cost of environment, but it is today’s economic need so it must be smart, safe, and sustainable,” said Bashir.

He said most of the mining operations in Pakistan rely on conventional tools and techniques. Outdated hazardous mining methods lead to groundwater contamination, land degradation, and unsafe working conditions, particularly for the labor force. AI is also helpful in detecting gas leaks and monitoring dust levels during mining operations. It can even predict collapses or landslides in both open-pit and underground mines.

He said, “From real time environmental monitoring to predictive maintenance and optimized resource extraction, AI is helpful in minimizing the ecological footprint of mining operations. AI-based system is usually piloted by using satellite data to track land disturbances and water usage around mining zones.  AI-driven technologies, including drone-based surveys, remote sensing, machine learning for ore detection, and real time pollution monitoring can reduce waste to a large extent.”

Bashir emphasised the need for capacity-building programs, public-private partnerships, and incentives for innovation to drive the AI equipment in mining. Without such initiatives, Pakistan may be on the verge of falling behind global environmental standards, potentially losing investor confidence, and facing trade barriers linked to unsustainable practices.  

To ensure compliance with environmental regulations and boost operational efficiency, AI-powered mining tools are deployed in countries such as Australia, Canada, and China. Pakistan can be one of them by managing some critical issues including limited funding, regulatory bottlenecks, and lack of technical capacity, he added.

Talking with WealthPK about the importance of AI-based smart mining for environment-friendly mining, miner and geologist Imran Babar said, “It is crucial to be introduced in Pakistan. While most miners can afford and install AI-based tools, a lack of awareness is keeping them behind. Raising awareness about these modern techniques will undoubtedly convince them about their importance.”

He emphasized that the government should encourage the use of AI-based safe mining by providing incentives or other relevant facilitation. It will help popularize new technology. To save lives and to avoid severe injuries during mining operations, AI will prove an ultimate solution.

Talking to WealthPK about the importance of environmentally safe mining in Pakistan, Rajat Adhikari, a 3D field developer at Australian-based AI tools manufacturing company ‘Immersive Technologies’, said, “There is too much potential in the mining sector of Pakistan not only for the mineral wealth but also for rare earths mining.”

He said more than 90% of mining in Pakistan is risk-oriented due to inadequate smart tools. Critical minerals mining is potentially harmful for health. By using conventional methods, the situation becomes worst for unskilled workers. However, with the use of AI-based smart tools, lives can be saved and mining operations will finish in comparatively lesser time.   

Rajat said visiting Pakistan to introduce the technology to miners was a great experience for him. He said they were keen to learn how to use smart tools, and very soon, most of them will be well aware of the importance and use of smart tools.

Credit: INP-WealthPk